Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-03-18
The Versailles Locket.
BY WOOD RUFF CLARK.


success was the result of economy, and
that sound judgment which led him
when once he had saved a little money to
rent the principal corner store in town and
advertise briskly. And part was due to
his name, which had an aristocratic
sound.
Fontalne was a young man of fine adj
dress, with knack of apt apparel, and he
quickly became the leading ieweler. His
credit was excellent from the start. He
bought discreetly of the manufacturers,
won and held the popular retail trade, and
in five years rose to good commercial
position.
One September morning a stranger
asked for Mr.. Fontaine at his store a gen
tleman of foreign accent and appearance,
handsomely attired, with a shrewd, ener-
getic face. He was salesman for French
manufacturing firm, who solicited trade
direct with American retailers. His
prices seemed high, although his wares
were original in pattern, and the stones of
superior purity and lustre. In fact, it
was grade of jewels more costly than
Fontaine had yet carried, and it appeared
doubtful if his quiet town would Justify
such expensive investments. Accordingly
he declined to buy.
The stranger retired, but in a half-hour
returned again. He had made inquiries
at the banks, and satisfied himself of the
jewelers. responsibility. He now offered
to leave few articles on commission, for
the purpose of introducing his styles.
Fontaine welcomed this proposal, and
gave the required receipts, obtaining a
dozen very handsome gold breastpins
bearing ruby, sapphire, and emerald
IN unique settings, and costly locket
He exulted over the brilliant additions to
his exhibit, which would at least lend
ec1at to the stock and add to his repute.
The locket especially was notable ac-
cession, and he gave it conspicuous
plate-glass shelf of his corner show win
dow. 1t was oval in FORM of solid gold,
adorned with delicate bas- relief work and
dainty enamel. 1t was studded with a
cluster of five diamonds on each side.
These diamonds were clear and vivid,
uniform in size and quality, and of "a
diant depth.
''We ought to give that locket a name"
said Jean Fontaine, as he stood by the
window, admiring it. Jean was Regi-
maids brother and chief clerk, skillful
and competent assistant.
Suppose we label it former property
of Marie Antoinette," suggested Regi-
maid, who was wont to make free use of
his imagination.
'No, mol" replied the more prosaic
Jean. ''We can't ascribe historical quail
tiles. 1t looks too new. We might call
it "A Congo Souvenir, OR The Tonquin
Trophy"
Reginald demurred.
''Not one in ten of our customers will
know it is French, or even understand
such name. They will think it was made
in Connecticut unless we state the con-
trary. Twill have little placard printed,
naming it the Versailles Locket, and an
uouncing maself as importer.
Accordingly, next day appeared deli
cate advertisement in black -and-white:
'The Versailles Locket.-Our own I'm
portation. from France.-Genu-
inc Diamonds. Fine Gold. - Hand
Graven.-Price, $4,000.
Time passed. The ladies Of the town
came, examined and admired the locket.
Christmas went by, and still the jewel
lay in its satin bed upon the plate glass
shelf unsold. The breastpins were taken,
but the locket proved too expensive for
Fontaine's patrons. Twenty five hundred
dollars was the sum he stood accountable
for to the French manufacturer in pay
ment for this locket should he make q
sale, and although in confidential mo-
mente he offered it to epecial customers
OF wv nfu h,,p - 7
by this liberal discount from the set
price. Every night the locket was care
fully put away in the burglar proof COM
partment of his huge steel vault, and every
morning its plush box was restored to the
show-shelf, but the jewel seemed likely to
remain as an advertisement until the
travelling Saleman reappeared to claim it.
One day gentleman came in and left
his gold watch for repairs. This was a
tall, majestic person, whom Fontaine had
often seen of late upon the streets, wear
ing heavy sealskin cap and a melton
ulster, with collar and cuffs and pocket
laps of seal fur and clad throughout in
costly Difference to fashion. His watch
was heavily chased, and very valuable.
He was particular to take a receipt in the
name of F. F. Barton, and departed
abruptly, without so much as recognizing
in Reginald Fontaine the proprietor OF
the premises.
At the appointed time Mr.. Barton re-
turned for his watch. Fontaine in person
waited ON him, and noticed the massive
signet ring worn by his customer, the
onyx monogram of which seemed cracked.
Mr.. Barton threw down fifty dollar bill
with an indifferent air, and gathered up
the change without appearing to take
count of it. He hooked the golden loop
of his heavy chain into its buttonhole, re-
stored the watch to his pocket with an
air of satisfaction, and turned away.
81 see that your signet is broken, y said
Reginald Fontaine, respectfully.
"a little" replied Mr.. Barton, draw
ing on his feece-lined glove.
II am now taking orders for signets
Should you wish to have the stone re-
placed at any time, | can have it du,
plicated with precision at reasonable
cost"
The visitor bowed as he pulled on his
other glove, and replied:
SIT is an heirloom in my family and was
cracked century ago. Nothing could
replace it."
''In that case, of course not, /" rejoined
Fontaine. He drew from drawer {
ring-tray. eff you are interested in rings
examine these l have some odd forms
here. don't expeet.xou to buy, sir; but
/ am an enthusiast in my trade, and i
any one likes to look, l like to show thu
goods"